Welcome to “It’s Never Too Late: Uncovering the Magic of Writing After Sixty,” I’m Dr. Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Christian nonfiction author and poet. This is my writer’s log for Monday, July 10, 2023. Today, I’m writing about embracing life’s challenges as I look at how problems shape your life journey.
Introduction
Maybe, like me, you’re facing challenges in various aspects of your life. I’m dealing with health issues like trigger finger (see photo), irritable bowel syndrome, and pancreatitis. Plus, I’m sixty-nine years and nine months old. Father Time has found me and is working me over.
Some of these issues are my excuses for being slow in getting edits/rewrites completed.
Be it personal, professional, or spiritual, it’s important to recognize that life presents us with many opportunities for problem-solving.
How we respond to these obstacles determines whether they will defeat us or contribute to our personal growth.
In this article, we’ll explore how God uses problems to guide, examine, correct, protect, and perfect us, as supported by powerful verses from the Bible.
1. God Uses Problems to Direct You (Proverbs 20:30)
Sometimes we need to experience painful situations to prompt us to change our ways. The blows that wound us can cleanse away the evil within us.
“Blows that wound cleanse away evil; strokes make clean the innermost parts.” These challenges can act as guiding forces, redirecting us towards a better path.
Proverbs 20:30
2. God Uses Problems to Inspect You (James 1:2-3)
Faced with various troubles, we are called to embrace joy, knowing that these challenges test our faith and build patience within us.
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”
James 1:2-3
However, it’s important to exercise caution and avoid excessive self-analysis, which can lead to a detrimental “why me Lord syndrome.”
3. God Uses Problems to Correct You (Psalm 119:71-72)
Difficulties can often be the catalysts for necessary corrections in our lives.
“It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes. The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.”
Psalm 119:71-72
These afflictions, in hindsight, may be the best things that could have happened to us, guiding us to pay attention to God’s teachings and guiding principles.
4. God Uses Problems to Protect You (Genesis 50:20)
When others intend to harm us, God can transform those negative intentions into something good. Joseph acknowledges this truth in Genesis 50:20.
“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.”
Genesis 50:20
God’s divine intervention can protect us from harm and transform our trials into blessings.
5. God Uses Problems to Perfect You (Romans 5:3-4)
Rather than discouraging us, problems can serve as opportunities for growth and character development.
Romans 5:3-4 teaches us to rejoice in our sufferings because they produce endurance, character, and hope.
“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.”
Romans 5:3-4 ESV
These challenges strengthen our faith, enabling us to trust God more deeply.
Conclusion
Problems, when approached with the right perspective, have the potential to shape our character. While comfort may be appealing, God is more interested in our character development.
Our relationship with God and our character are the only things we will carry into eternity. Therefore, let us embrace the challenges we face, knowing that God desires to bring about positive changes in our lives, allowing us to make a difference in this world.
Remember, problems are not roadblocks, but stepping stones on our journey towards personal growth and spiritual maturity.
Hello friends! Today, June 19, 2023, the United States is celebrating Juneteenth, a significant day in Texas and United States history.
But amidst the festivities, there’s an even more special occasion—my granddaughter’s sweet sixteenth birthday!
Let’s dive into the events of the day, the scorching Dallas heat, and my plans that lie ahead this week.
Battling the Extreme Heat:
As I stepped outside, the oppressive heat hit me like a wave. With the temperature expected to reach a blistering 99°F (37°C) and a heat index of 117°F (47°C), it was crucial to stay cool and hydrated. I adorned myself in light-colored clothing. Take advantage of air conditioning as an ally in this relentless battle against the heat.
A Day in Motion:
Bright and early at 7 AM, the alarm on my trusty iWatch roused me from slumber. After my morning devotionals, I embarked on my routine household chores. Taking out the recycling, trash, and water table box for collection, I got my day off to a productive start. Ensuring I took my medications, shaving, and dressing in light colors, I headed to Walmart at 8 AM to conquer the day’s errands.
Finding Respite:
In search of respite from the scorching outdoors, I retreated to Starbucks. With the air conditioning providing much-needed relief, I settled in with a tall blonde roast coffee. It was the perfect atmosphere to indulge in some writing and bask in the ambiance.
This Week’s To-Do List:
As the day and week progresses, I have several important tasks on my agenda. Among them, I need to pick up my heart medications from the pharmacist and receive allergy shots on Tuesday.
I need to reach out to both my cardiologist and rheumatologist to discuss some concerns about my medications and the persistent joint pain I’ve been experiencing.
Tonight (Monday, June 19) I have the monthly meeting of the Writer’s Guild of Texas at 7 PM in the basement of the Richardson Public Library.
Reflecting and Reconnecting:
The middle of the week holds promise for reconnecting with loved ones. But first, on Wednesday, the housekeeper comes, ensuring a fresh and tidy living space.
I had plans to meet my friend Les Hall at JGs Old Fashion Hamburgers for an early lunch, a tradition we’ve maintained since our days as coworkers. Wednesdays are always open for friends to join us!
A Trip Down Memory Lane:
Wednesday afternoon marks the start of a small getaway. Driving my trusty Mercedes, I’ll embark on a journey to Gonzales, Texas, where I had made reservations at a lovely hotel. The purpose of this trip was to pay a visit to my parents’ graves, especially poignant as Thursday would have been my father’s 96th birthday. After two nights, I would return on Friday morning and afternoon. I’m just getting too old to make the 250 plus miles each way in one day or even as an over night trip. Accepting the limitations of age forced on me is challenging.
A Solo Movie Date:
The week will end on a high note. I have my monthly date with Harry Potter. This month it’s seeing Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire at the Angelika Theatre in Plano on Saturday. While I usually watch Harry Potter movies alone, I invite any local friends who wanted to join me. The magic of Hogwarts is best shared, after all.
Conclusion:
Settling down to focus on my writing for the morning, I reflect on the events of the day and the week that lie ahead. It’s a day filled with celebration, responsibilities, and cherished memories.
Wishing you all a fantastic day, filled with joy and inspiration! Keep on smiling. Be the light that shines into someone’s day. Let others see Jesus in you.
Hey everyone! 🌞✨What’s up, fellow authors? 🖋️📚 Today, I want to talk about what we value as creators. I got this idea from Joanna Penn. I agree with her. There are three amazing Fs that define our author journeys and why most people write. Most writers are motivated by one of the three Fs. They are Freedom, Fame, and Fortune! Let’s dive in and explore each one! 💪🔥
Freedom
First up, we have Freedom! 🕊️ For some writers the goal is being free. This means breaking free from the day job grind, deciding where we want to live, and choosing when and how we work. It’s all about having enough money to support ourselves and pursuing our passion without limitations. Plus, let’s not forget about being free by maintaining good health by making time for exercise and eating right, so we can continue enjoying life to the fullest even as we get older. We’re in control! 🙌
Fame
Next on the list is Fame! 🌟 For some authors it’s all about wanting our work to be recognized and admired. We seek that special place in people’s hearts where our name becomes synonymous with great storytelling. Winning awards and having our creations resonate with readers are the ultimate goals. Let’s make our mark and leave a legacy for generations to come! 💫
Fortune
And of course, there’s Fortune! 💰💸 Some writers are money driven. Who doesn’t love a little (or a lot) of financial abundance? Some authors aspire to make it rain money, money, money! They want the million dollar book deals and write for the monetary return.Investing wisely and reaping the rewards of our hard work is the name of the game. They desire more than anything else to create a life of financial stability and abundance, so they focus on what truly matters to them: making money. 💵💼
Of the three Fs, I choose FREEDOM.
99 F degrees = 37.2 C degrees
Speaking of stories, today’s been a hot one! ☀️🔥 In Dallas, we hit a scorching 99 degrees Fahrenheit (that’s a toasty 37.2 degrees Celsius). But fear not! Milestone Electric is coming to my place later today for a preventive maintenance visit, ensuring everything’s running smoothly before the temperature climbs even higher! 🏠⚡
A Tale of Two Tall Blondes
My day started bright and early with the alarm blaring at 7 AM. After taking care of the trash and recycling (gotta stay punctual with the trashcan schedule), I kicked off the morning routine. Meds? Check! Getting dressed? Check! Devotional time? Check! And then, off to my favorite local coffee house where two tall blondes were waiting for me. 😉☕
The first blonde was none other than my beloved blonde roast coffee, my faithful companion in creative endeavors. ☕ The second blonde turned out to be a fascinating woman in her late 40s named Melissa. We struck up a conversation after I helped her retrieve some cash she dropped on the floor. She had a tote bag and on its side was the logo of a software I used to support. Turns out, we both worked on the same software before! She asked two software / development questions to make sure I was being truthful about my background with said software. Good for her for not taking what a guy says as gospel. It’s a small world, right? 🌍
Melissa shared that she’s here at the coffee shop working while her son works out with his friends, preparing for the upcoming football season. We talked about her worries of him getting injured, and I shared my own experience with my son’s knee surgery due to sports. Life’s unpredictable and playing sports is risky.
Curiosity sparked, Melissa said she noticed I wasn’t wearing a wedding ring and asked if I was married. I revealed I was 69 years-old, a widower, and in a committed relationship. She said someone was lucky since I admitted I was in a relationship. She said too many guys would omit that comment. She also said she couldn’t believe my age as I was the same age as her dad! She jokingly mentioned that she thought I was in my early 50s.
Well, thank you for the compliment, Melissa! 😄 I then encouraged her to prioritize self-checks, sharing Miss Benita’s melanoma cancer story. I shared how Benita and my faith in God and our Christian beliefs were a source of strength for both of us during the cancer journey. 🙏
As I headed to my writing spot, Melissa bid me farewell, she said she’ll see me again tomorrow and to please say hello. She settled at a table halfway across the room, and I couldn’t help but appreciate the connection made with a stranger. It’s true what they say: I rarely meet someone I can’t have a meaningful conversation with! 🗣️
All right, time to get down to business! It’s writing / rewriting time, my friends! 📝✨ I’m back to my recommended rewrites.
I hope you all have an incredible day filled with opportunities to explore and create. Keep chasing those dreams and making magic with your words! You’ve got this! 💫🔥
Hey everyone, it’s Monday, June 5, 2023, and I’m currently chilling at my favorite local Starbucks! Can you believe I slept in so late today? 😱 I hit the hay around midnight, but my alarm clock rudely woke me up at 7:00 AM to take out the trash and recycling. Gotta do our part to save the Earth, right? ♻️ After that, I couldn’t resist crawling back into bed and ended up waking up at 11:30 AM. Guess I really needed that extra shut-eye!
So instead of dealing with the usual morning traffic, I had to navigate through lunchtime traffic on my way to this coffee paradise. At least the midday drivers seem more awake and less grumpy! 😄 I ordered my go-to cup of Pike Place coffee (no blonde available after 11 AM, boohoo), found a cozy spot, and kicked off my day by doing my morning devotion. Gotta start the day on a positive note, right?
After that, I spent some time setting up two-factor authentication for Twitter using Google Authentication for iOS. Apparently, Twitter now wants us to have a paid account to use two-factor SMS authentication. Oh well (greedy Elon Musk), better safe than sorry, especially when I’m working on my laptop in coffee shops. I always make sure to use a virtual private network (VPN) for extra security online. The one I use is VPN by Google One, a super reliable app by Google/Alphabet.
To set the mood, I’ve got some fantastic “Happy Summer Morning & Relaxing Jazz Instrumental Music at Coffee Shop Ambience for Working, Studying” playing in the background. It’s perfect for creating a relaxed atmosphere. If you’re interested, you can check it out at this YouTube link: [insert link here] 🎶
Alright, time to dive into some writing and then tackle a bunch of errands. My to-do list is jam-packed today, but I’m ready to conquer it all! 💪 By the way, I’m thrilled to announce that Operation Bye, Bye AT&T Uverse is officially complete! I finally got rid of my cable and switched to AT&T Fiber Optic and streaming services. Huge shoutout to Jason and Andy for making it happen. You guys rock! 🙌
On a side note, I went for a five mile walk yesterday and ended up with a couple of blisters on my feet and toes. Ouch! It’s so uncomfortable, but it’s weird because I never used to get blisters when I was an infantryman in the US Army and walked for a living. Oh well, the joys of civilian life, huh? 😅
There’s still so much on my plate, and I can’t believe it’s already past noon. Time really flies! Anyway, wishing you all an absolutely fabulous and magical Monday. Let’s make the most of it and spread some positivity! ✨💖
Good morning, everyone! It’s Monday, May 29, 2023, and here in the United States , we’re celebrating Memorial Day!
As I drove down the streets this morning, I couldn’t help but notice the beautiful American flags lining the way. It’s a reminder of the incredible sacrifice made by the brave men and women who gave their lives while serving in the military. Today, we honor their memory and express our gratitude.
I drove to essential stop at Starbucks for my morning dose of caffeine and writing inspiration. While enjoying my cup of joe, I’ll be delving into my morning devotional time. Today, my prayers will be with the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, currently in session at the Ridge Conference Center in North Carolina. I hope their conference is filled with inspiration, knowledge, and meaningful connections.
As for me, I’ll be tackling the recommended changes from my editor during my writing session. There’s something magical about sipping a steaming cup of coffee while fingers to keyboard.
Oh, and before I forget, I have a quick errand to run at the store on my way home. I need to pick up a couple of bags of ice and some health and beauty items. Gotta be prepared for any situation that arises!
Yesterday was a blast! We had an amazing pool party and celebrated the third birthdays for my girlfriend’s grandson.
Today, it’s all about tidying up and getting ready for another fun-filled day. No, we’re not repeating the birthday party, but we’re hosting another awesome pool party , this time with some of the talented ladies from my local writers group. It’s always a joy to share laughter, stories, and splashes with such a fantastic group.
Now, let’s talk sports! The NASCAR race scheduled for Sunday was rained out, but don’t worry, it’s rescheduled for this afternoon. Fingers crossed for an exhilarating and action-packed race! I won’t watch it but will listen to it’s replay as I read before going to bed tonight.
And in NHL playoff hockey, tonight the Dallas Stars triumphed over the Vegas Golden Knights. Of course, they haven’t played yet. I don’t have the inside scoop, but hey, a little hope and positive vibes can go a long way! I believe the Stars will win.
On this special Memorial Day, I want to wish each and every one of you a magnificent day! Let’s be the bright spot in someone’s life today and every day. Let’s radiate kindness, love, and compassion, showing others the beauty of God’s love through our actions. Together, we can make a difference!
Enjoy the day, my friends, and may it be filled with cherished memories, laughter, and a whole lot of joy. Happy Memorial Day!
🌟 Good morning, my lovely friends! It’s Monday, May 22, 2023, and I’m feeling the magical vibes today! ✨ Did you know that Prince wrote a fantastic tune called “Manic Monday,” which was made famous by The Bangles? Well, my Mondays are far from manic, they are pure magic! So, let’s kick-start this “magical Monday” and make it an extraordinary day! 💫
I have not one, but two exciting announcements to share with you all today. Announcement number one: After much contemplation, I have decided NOT TO ATTEND the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writer’s Conference this year. My heart was urging me to go, see my friends, and have a great time, but my head reminded me of the hectic Memorial Day weekend traffic during my 1,200-mile drive each way. So, after careful consideration, the decision is made.
Now, brace yourselves for announcement number two: I have decided to treat myself to a trans-pacific cruise! 🚢 As I’ll be turning seventy-years-old this November, I realized that if I don’t embark on this adventure now, I might never do it. In October and November of this year, I’ll be flying to Los Angeles, where I’ll catch my cruise ship.
The journey will take me to breathtaking destinations, including Hawaii with three enchanting island stops, French Polynesia and Tahiti, and American Samoa with its fascinating Pago Pago. And that’s not all—my cruise will also make six stops in beautiful New Zealand, where I’ll have the incredible opportunity to visit Hobbiton and The Shire from the Lord of the Rings movies!
🌺 After exploring New Zealand, I’ll head across the Tasmanian Sea to Australia. I’m even considering extending my stay there for a few extra days or maybe a week to fully immerse myself in the wonders of the land down under. It looks like a couple of lovely ladies from my Dallas writer’s group might be joining me on this remarkable journey. Oh, the anticipation and joy of planning and preparation! That’s part of the fun.
If any of you have been to any of these faraway places, I would love to hear about your experiences. Share the magic with me! ✈️
Now, let’s sprinkle some more “pixie dust” on this magical Monday, shall we? ☕️ I’m currently at my favorite coffee house, enjoying a divine cup of coffee as I dive into my morning writing. It’s the perfect place to be, especially since I’ve already taken care of carrying out the recyclables and trash. With Memorial Day around the corner, I’m also getting ready to repot some plants for a cozy outdoor sitting experience. There’s something truly special about spending time amidst nature.
Speaking of nature, I’ve realized that walking must be a top priority in my daily routine. Regular exercise is the secret to slowing down the aging process and my heart. So, I’m committed to keep on keeping on and take care of my well-being. 🚶♀️
In my quest for better health and convenience, I’m trying something new—home delivery of food! 🍽️ I’ve decided to give Hello Fresh a shot. I’m hoping it will help me with portion control and encourage healthier eating habits. Today, I’ll be receiving my eating my first Hello Fresh meals, and I’m eagerly looking forward to trying them out. Fingers crossed for some delicious and nutritious treats!
Oh, and mark your calendars, my friends! Next Saturday, at the Angelika Theatre in Plano, Texas, I’ll be treating myself to a delightful screening of Harry Potter & The Prisoner of The Prisoner of Azkaban on the big screen, starting at 11 AM. And guess what? You’re all invited to join the fun! There’s something truly magical about watching Harry Potter movies in all their grandeur. Let’s make it a fantastic gathering of Potterheads! 🧙♂️🎥
Before I go, I wanted to share a selfie with all of you. Here’s a picture of me sitting outdoors, relishing the early morning sunshine while savoring my cup of coffee. It’s the little moments like these that make life truly magical. 🌞☕️
So, my dear friends, let’s embrace this “magical Monday” with open hearts and open minds. May your day be filled with joy, laughter, and enchantment. Remember, you have the power to make every day extraordinary! Let’s make it happen! 💖✨
Here’s how can know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and be sure heaven is your eternal home. Click the link to read my personal story of accepting Jesus –My Story.
Disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate. If you purchase using the links in the article I receive a small commission.
Books: Click on BOOKS to see some of the books I’ve written or where I’ve been a contributor.
Here’s how can know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and be sure heaven is your eternal home. Click the link to read my personal story of accepting Jesus –My Story.
Disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate. If you purchase using the links in the article I receive a small commission.
Books: Click on BOOKS to see some of the books I’ve written or where I’ve been a contributor.
“The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.”
Psalm 121:7-8 (KJV)
My Story
This verse speaks of the assurance and protection that God provides to those who trust in Him.
This truth was evident in the life of my mother, who had to wait for a kidney transplant.
My mother had been living with a kidney disease for several years, and her condition was worsening by the day. She needed a kidney transplant to survive, but the wait list for a donor was long, and the process was tiring.
As her son, I was worried and scared for her, and I did not know what the future held. However, my mother’s faith in God remained steadfast. She believed that He would provide for her.
During this waiting period, my mother experienced the reality of Psalm 121:7-8. The Lord kept her from harm, even in her fragile state. God watched over her life. Some how she kept on trusting the Lord would provide. She knew that God was in control, and she found peace in that.
Despite the uncertainty of when a donor would become available, my mother continued to trust God’s timing. She believed that He was watching over her coming and going. This included the timing of her transplant.
She knew that God had a plan for her life. That gave her hope. She also prayed for the future donor and the donor’s family realizing that most likely for her to live someone would die gifting her a chance at additional life.
Finally, the day came when my mother received the call that a kidney was available for her transplant. It was a joyous moment for our family.
We knew that it was a result of God’s provision. The surgery was successful.
My mother’s health improved significantly. She was grateful to God for keeping her safe during the waiting period and for providing her with a new kidney.
My mother’s experience taught me the importance of trusting in God in every aspect of life. When we face challenges and uncertainties, we can take comfort in knowing that God is watching over us.
He knows our needs, and He will provide for us in His timing. As Psalm 121:7-8 says, He will keep us from harm and watch over our lives, both now and forevermore.
My mother’s journey towards receiving a kidney transplant was a powerful reminder of God’s love and provision. She trusted in Him throughout the waiting period. He kept her safe and provided for her needs.
As we face our own challenges in life, let us remember the truth of Psalm 121:7-8 and trust in God’s plan for our lives.
Who wrote Psalm 121:7-8 and when was it written?
Psalm 121:7-8 is a part of Psalm 121. The author of Psalm 121 is unknown, and the date of its composition is also uncertain, though it is generally believed to have been written during the post-exilic period of Israel’s history (after the Babylonian exile).
“The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”
Psalm 121:7-8
These verses express confidence in God’s protection and care for His people. They are a reminder that the Lord is a constant and faithful guardian, who is always present to guide and protect us.
What is the context of Psalm 121:7-8?
Psalm 121:7-8 is part of a larger psalm known as the “Song of Ascents” (Psalms 120-134) which was likely sung by Jewish pilgrims as they ascended to Jerusalem for the annual feasts.
The Psalm is a song of trust and confidence in God’s protection and care.
Here are the verses in context:
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”
In verses 7-8, the psalmist declares that the Lord will protect the pilgrims from all harm, both now and forevermore.
This includes protection from physical harm (“the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night”) as well as spiritual harm. The psalmist is expressing confidence that God is always watching over his people and will keep them safe.
What is the meaning of Psalm 121:7-8?
This passage is often interpreted as a message of comfort and assurance for believers. It emphasizes that God is a faithful protector who watches over his people and keeps them safe from harm.
The psalmist declares that God’s protection extends to all areas of life, including our “coming and going” or all of our daily activities. This verse offers a message of hope and encouragement for those who may be facing difficult circumstances or uncertainties in life.
It reminds us that we can trust in God’s constant care and protection, not just in this life but for all eternity.
What does “The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul” mean?
Psalm 121:7 is a verse from a collection of Psalms known as the Songs of Ascent, which were sung by Jewish pilgrims as they journeyed to Jerusalem for worship. The verse reads, “The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.”
In this verse, the Psalmist is expressing his trust in God’s protection and care. He is confident that God will protect him from all kinds of evil, both physical and spiritual, and that his soul will be preserved by God.
The phrase “preserve thy soul” suggests that the Psalmist is not only concerned with his physical safety but also with his spiritual well-being. He is confident that God will guard and protect his innermost being, his soul, from harm.
The verse is a declaration of faith in God’s power to protect and preserve us from all harm, both in this life and in the afterlife.
What does “The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore”mean?
Psalm 121 is a psalm of assurance and trust in God’s protection. The specific verses you mentioned, 7 and 8, say:
“The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.”
In these verses, the psalmist is expressing confidence that God will protect and preserve them in all aspects of their life. “Going out and coming in” refer to all the activities of life, such as leaving and returning home, going to work, traveling, and so on. The psalmist is saying that God will watch over them and keep them safe in all these activities.
The phrase “from this time forth, and even for evermore” emphasizes the eternal nature of God’s protection. The psalmist believes that God’s care and guidance will never end, and will be with them always.
Overall, these verses express a deep trust in God’s ability to keep us safe and protect us from harm, both in our everyday lives and for all time.
What is the difference in biblical translations of Psalm 121:7-8 (KJV, NIV & ESV)
Psalm 121:7-8 KJV biblical translation says:
The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.
Psalm 121:7-8 KJV
Psalm 121:7-8 NIV biblical translation says:
The Lord will keep you from all harm — he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Psalm 121:7-8 NIV
Psalm 121:7-8 ESV biblical translation says:
The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.
Psalm 121:7-8 ESV
How does Psalm 121:7-8 give encouragement?
Psalm 121:7-8 reads, “The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” This passage can give encouragement in several ways:
Assurance of God’s protection: The verse states that God will keep us from all harm, which means that we can have confidence that He is looking out for us and protecting us from anything that could cause us harm. This can be a source of comfort and encouragement, especially during times of trouble or uncertainty.
Constant vigilance: The verse says that God will watch over our lives and our coming and going, both now and forevermore. This means that God is always with us, and we are never alone. We can take comfort in the fact that God is always watching over us and guiding us, no matter where we go or what we do.
Hope for the future: The verse implies that God’s protection is not just for the present, but also for the future. Knowing that God will continue to watch over us and protect us in the future can give us hope and encouragement, even in difficult times.
Overall, Psalm 121:7-8 gives us the assurance that God is watching over us and protecting us, both now and forevermore. This can provide great encouragement and comfort, especially during times of difficulty and uncertainty.
How can I apply Psalm 121:7-8 to my life?
As a general principle, this verse reminds us that God is our protector and that we can trust Him to watch over us and keep us safe from harm. This can provide comfort and assurance in difficult or uncertain times.
Here are a few ways you can apply this verse to your life:
Trust in God’s protection: When you face challenges or difficulties, remind yourself that God is with you and will keep you from harm. Trust in His promises and know that He is always watching over you.
Seek God’s guidance: If you’re unsure about a decision or direction in your life, seek God’s guidance and ask Him to watch over your coming and going. Trust that He will lead you in the right direction and keep you safe.
Find peace in uncertain times: In times of uncertainty or fear, remember that God is in control and will watch over you. Allow His peace to fill your heart and mind, and trust that He will guide you through whatever challenges you may face.
Thank God for His protection: Take time to thank God for His protection in your life. Recognize the times He has kept you safe and remember His faithfulness. This can help build your trust in Him and increase your confidence in His protection.
A model or example prayer using Psalm 121:7-8:
Here is an example prayer using Psalm 121:7-8:
Dear God,
As I come before you today, I am reminded of your promise in Psalm 121:7-8 that you will keep me from all harm and watch over my life. I am so grateful for your faithfulness and love.
Lord, I ask that you continue to protect me from any danger or harm that may come my way. Help me to trust in you fully and know that you are always with me, even in the darkest moments of my life.
I pray that you will guide my steps and direct my path. Show me the way I should go, and give me the strength and courage to follow you wherever you lead.
Thank you for your constant care and protection, and for your unfailing love that never fades. I give you all the praise and honor, now and forever.
In Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen.
Conclusion:
Psalm 121:7-8 teaches us to trust in God’s protection, seek God’s guidance, to find peace in uncertain times, to thank God for His protection, to take time to thank God for His protection in our life, and to recognize the times He has kept you safe and remember His faithfulness.
Today’s article is from the forthcoming book: “Hope: How to Have Hope During Times of Hardship | The Bible Speaks to Life Issues, Book Three” by Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Ed.D. from Poetry and Prayer Press (c) 2023
Here’s how can know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and be sure heaven is your eternal home. Click the link to read my personal story of accepting Jesus –My Story.
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